Argos Opens New Look Digital-Centric Stores

Argos moves forward into a new era by unveiling a brand new concept store focused all around digital in a move to modernise the over-the-counter order store.

The Old Street, London store is the first of six new digital concept stores to roll out across the UK and will be the flagship for the new-and-improved Argos brand.

So, what exactly does this digital redesign entail? Well, instead of the dated and cheap appearance of laminated paper catalogues that have been thumbed by thousands, a sleek and stylish tables with tablets are to be used – thus doing away with the needless amounts of paper waste generated by Argos’ previously archaic system.

There’s also going to be fast-track collection points that promise to deliver a 60-second turnover time, thus satisfying customers and their ever-growing need to be doing something else.

For a bit of ambience, Argos are making use of dynamic digital product and sales display screens – which look a little bit like Windows 8’s tile system. These will replace the standard static paper posters, and free wifi is also going to to make the in-store experience a little nicer. Just by looking at the video below, you can see how these new screens will work, displaying prices and even local weather updates.

Seeing as 43 per cent of Argos’ sales are through digital channels, the move makes an awful lot of sense, especially as 16 per cent of those sales are made on mobiles and tablets – with 90 per cent of those being collect in-store transactions.

Once Old Street has been opened, Old Kent Road, Marble Arch and Chancery Lane in London will be converted to digital stores. Stores in Colchester, Essex and Dunfermline, Fife will also get the digital treatment.

What do you think about Argos’ new look? Reckon it’s the smart thing to do when it comes to revamping the store? Can it cut down on the effects of showrooming either?